The experience of the Spiritual Exercises is a training process in leadership, which is called Ignatian Leadership. Specific characteristics of that leadership style were, early in the life of the Society, summarized as "Our Way Of Proceeding." The principle characteristics, adapted to our own contemporary world, are described in Decree 26 of General Congregation 34:

Author Chris Lowney, in his book, Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 45-Year-Old-Company that Changed the World, has this to say about Ignatian Leadership:

The Jesuit team [of sixteenth century priests] doesn't tell us much we don't already know about what leaders do. Nor do they teach us anything about what leaders achieve.

But they have a lot to say about who leaders are, how leaders live, and how they become leaders in the first place. In so doing, the Jesuits offer a leadership model that flows against the tide of most contemporary leadership models.

Efforts to assist others in the practice of Ignatian leadership include:

• Promotion of group reading, study, and reflection on materials such as Chris Lowney's book with a continuing personal and communal "Examen" process on its successful use in practice
• Brief education and formation programs in Ignatian leadership that meet the needs of the busy schedules of Ignatian partners in ministries. An example is the Magis Project for lay colleagues in Jesuit and Ignatian works
• Arrangement of on-site evaluation and coaching sessions by well trained and experienced Ignatian leaders